We’re excited to release the NLEA’s 2025 Impact Report, which highlights the progress we’ve made working alongside partners across Northern Michigan. Our efforts are guided by the priorities in our 2025–2027 Strategic Plan: advancing business growth, infrastructure and development, talent retention and attraction, and education and policy leadership. These focus areas shape how we support local businesses, advance workforce housing and infrastructure projects, promote career opportunities, and provide data that helps inform effective policy decisions. The 2025 Impact Report showcases the impact that collaboration makes possible. We invite you to take a moment to explore the report and see how these initiatives are helping build a stronger, more resilient NLEA region.
The Business Growth Specialist plays a critical role in strengthening Northern Michigan’s business community by driving NLEA’s internal technical and development processes and solutions that help businesses thrive. This position will support the Director of Business Growth with a primary focus on leading NLEA clients through financial incentive programs to help them expand, acquire equipment and advanced automation, and meet workforce challenges in innovative ways tailored to the needs of the region. The ideal candidate is passionate about supporting businesses, driven to succeed, and committed to teamwork and high-quality work. The application window closes Monday, April 6, so apply today!
The 2026 Economic Symposium will take place on Friday, May 15th at Boyne Mountain Resort from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. This year’s theme, “Made, Grown, and Built in Northern Michigan,” highlights a few of the industries that power our regional economy — manufacturing, agriculture, and construction. The event brings together business leaders, policymakers, and community members from across the region to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping Northern Michigan’s future.
Keynote Speaker
The symposium will feature keynote speaker David Malpass, former President of the World Bank and current professor at Purdue University’s School of Business. Malpass will offer a global and national perspective on economic trends, policy, and the forces shaping the future of regional economies.
Breakout Sessions
This year’s breakout sessions will explore the industries that drive Northern Michigan’s economy.
Made in Northern Michigan will highlight how regional manufacturers are navigating workforce challenges, automation, supply chains, and access to capital.
Grown in Northern Michigan will examine the state of agriculture, including trends in agricultural economics, tourism, and labor shaping the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Built in Northern Michigan will focus on the construction industry and the workforce, infrastructure, and development needed to support thriving communities.
The Open for Business session will bring together local leaders to discuss how local governments can help cultivate a stronger business climate and remove barriers to economic growth.
Closing Panel: A Conversation with the Northern Michigan Caucus
The symposium will conclude with a conversation featuring members of the Northern Michigan Caucus—Representatives Parker Fairbairn (107th District), Cam Cavitt (106th District), and John Roth (104th District) and Senator John Damoose (37th District)—who will discuss the policy decisions shaping the region’s economic future, including infrastructure, housing, taxes, and regulatory reform.
In case you missed the recent ‘Michigan Business Beat’ with NLEA’s Payton Heins check out the YouTube video shared below:
Save the Date for Development Spotlight: Petoskey!
Save the date for Friday, June 5th, and join us for Development Spotlight: Petoskey!
This event will shine a light on growth, investment, and development momentum in Petoskey and the surrounding area. Building on the strong engagement and collaborative energy from our 2025 Spotlight in East Jordan — which brought together local leaders, developers, business owners, and community partners — we’re excited to continue the conversation by highlighting current projects, emerging opportunities, and the vision shaping Petoskey’s future.
Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
We are grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, Consumers Energy and the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity
NLEA in Action
Education and Policy
Sam Bailey Joins Black Diamond Broadcasting to Discuss the Economic Symposium
Strategic Initiatives Manager, Sam Bailey, recently joined Black Diamond Broadcasting to discuss regional economic trends and the upcoming Economic Symposium.
The NLEA has a team of economic and community development professionals with experience in grant writing services and incentive assistance to support your next development project. Contact Jessica Lovay to see how we can help you!
Low-Interest Business Loan Assistance
We can help you explore your financing options through our partnerships with Great Lakes Energy (GLE) and Venture North. Reach out to Dave Kronberg to learn more about these programs and how you may qualify.
The NLEA is a nonprofit economic development organization serving Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet Counties and has been helping businesses and communities succeed and grow since 1984. Whether you are a community looking for assistance with property redevelopment and grant management or a business looking for assistance to secure funding for new equipment or expansion, the NLEA is here to help you. Learn more about these and additional services below.
Meet Dave!
As your local resource, we’re here to help your business succeed and grow — with support for funding, site selection, local incentives, development, and data to back your project. Learn more below.
We support communities in retaining and attracting year-round, family sustaining jobs through economic development training, local incentives, and infrastructure funding. Learn more below.
Chris Holman welcomed back Nicole Noll-Williams, CEO & President for the Capital Region Airport Authority, that includes Fly Lansing, The Capital Region International Airport. This month, Nicole was back in
Chris Holman welcomes Laketa L. Henderson, SBA Michigan District Director, Detroit, MI. Watch Laketa and Chris discuss Small Business Week, the Made in America tour, regulatory challenges, and access to
Chris Holman welcomes back Kristina Johnston, Chief Operating Officer at Flint & Genesee Group, Flint, MI. Watch Kristina and Chris recap Annual Meeting wins, partnerships, policy impacts, and what’s ahead for
Chris Holman welcomed back Nicole Noll-Williams, CEO & President for the Capital Region Airport Authority, that includes Fly Lansing, The Capital Region International Airport. This month, Nicole was back in
Chris Holman welcomes Laketa L. Henderson, SBA Michigan District Director, Detroit, MI. Watch Laketa and Chris discuss Small Business Week, the Made in America tour, regulatory challenges, and access to
Chris Holman welcomes back Kristina Johnston, Chief Operating Officer at Flint & Genesee Group, Flint, MI. Watch Kristina and Chris recap Annual Meeting wins, partnerships, policy impacts, and what’s ahead for
We’re excited to release the NLEA’s 2025 Impact Report, which highlights the progress we’ve made working alongside partners across Northern Michigan. Our efforts are guided by the priorities in our 2025–2027 Strategic Plan: advancing business growth, infrastructure and development, talent retention and attraction, and education and policy leadership. These focus areas shape how we support local businesses, advance workforce housing and infrastructure projects, promote career opportunities, and provide data that helps inform effective policy decisions. The 2025 Impact Report showcases the impact that collaboration makes possible. We invite you to take a moment to explore the report and see how these initiatives are helping build a stronger, more resilient NLEA region.
